Sage Hunter Donini

1977-2021

Born in Longmont, Colorado to parents who shared their passion for the wildlands with her. Sage delighted in summers at Guides’ Hill in the Grand Tetons. Her school years in Leavenworth, WA and Seattle expanded adventures to the Cascades, where she backpacked, climbed and skied with her beloved brother Montana. Her class essays and poetry revealed perception beyond her years and a highly sensitive nature. She performed on tour in Carnegie Hall with the Northwest Girls Choir. In adolescence Sage suffered a traumatic brain injury. She excelled in horse husbandry at Turn-About Ranch, the continuation of her love for pets and wildlife. Physically resilient, Sage birthed 5 children in adulthood , which brought much happiness to each of their adoptive families. While being treated for cancer this year, she reunited with family and composed her epitaph:

“Did you know? That when it snowed, my eyes became large, and the light you shine can be seen.”

She passed away peacefully at her Los Angeles home in hospice care.

Sage is survived by her daughter Rosie Holmes and mother Janet Hunter; father James Donini and his wife Angela Goodacre; Aunts Genella Williamson, Sandra Yanasov and Sherry Hunter; Uncle John Hunter; and 12 cousins.

A memorial service and reception will be held at Sunburst Sanctuary’s Retreat Center (date and time to be determined).